Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Trip Summary Venture to one of today’s hottest travel destinations: Iceland! The Land of Fire and Ice is home to some 30 active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, and gushing , just to name a few of its natural attractions. Explore the Golden Circle by foot, hike a geothermal soaking spot, trek the mountainous Highlands and strap on your crampons for a glacier walk! Come discover the rich and vibrant culture of this fascinating destination and find out why it’s worth it to check Iceland off of your travel bucket list!

Itinerary Day 1: Reykjavík Arrival Welcome to “The Land of Fire and Ice!” • You’ll be met during your morning arrival at the Keflavík International Airport where a guide will meet and transfer you to the nearby Viking World Museum for breakfast • After breakfast, we head to a free standing, hyaloclastite mountain north of Grindavik for a short hike up Mt: þorbjörn • Don’t forget to give yourself a silica mud facial! • Next, we drive to the point where the European and American plates come together ashore, a fusion where the New World meets the Old World, geologically speaking, where many signs of environmental disturbances can be seen • This afternoon, enjoy some time to relax on your own in Reykjavík before you meet up with your guide for a welcome dinner • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, D)

Day 2: Golden Circle / / / Thingvellir National Park Today we take it easy by starting off with a sightseeing tour of the geothermally active valley of along the Golden Circle • Here we visit the famous Geysir and its neighboring Strokkur, quite the fascinating spectacle when it erupts every 4-8 minutes • Next awaits us the magnificent Gullfoss, the queen of Iceland’s waterfalls, situated on the white colored Hvítá River • Enjoy an outdoor lunch taking in spectacular views • Explore Thingvellir National Park, where the oldest Parliament in the world was founded • A pleasant hike around Thingvellir will show off its amazing landscape and the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge • Transfer back to the Capital for a nice dinner on your own tonight • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, L)

Day 3: Hellisheidi / Reykjadalur Valley / Hveragerdi Say goodbye to the city (for now) as we travel to the Geothermal Exhibition in the Hellisheidi area, one of the most powerful and impressive geothermal zones in Iceland located only a stone’s throw from Reykjavík • After learning all about how Iceland produces green, sustainable energy, it’s time to tie our shoe laces and hike an amazing route from the Geothermal Power station in Hellisheidi down to the Reykjadalur valley • After a nice day’s hike, kick back and relax in a geothermally-heated river before heading down to the Hveragerdi village for check-in at Hotel Örk (Arch) • Come together for dinner in Hveragerdi tonight • Overnight at Hótel Örk (B, L, D)

Day 4: Vörðufell Mountain This morning we start on another hiking adventure to the top of the Vörðufell mountain where we will have a breathtaking view of glacial mountains and the Westman Islands • We drive even further into the quiet and peaceful inlands where we happen upon our accommodation, the Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar, the perfect base to explore the Icelandic highlands • The vastness and lack of human impact on the surrounding area makes it truly one of the last places in Europe where freedom,

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

natural beauty and solitude are combined in a breathtakingly powerful experience • Overnight at the Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar (B, L, D)

Day 5: Landmannalaugar / Kirkjubæjarklaustur Today we head to the to a place called Landmannalaugar, known for its characteristic yellow rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity • We spend the day hiking through a beautiful landscape that will take your breath away around every bend • Add to this scenery the promise of a pleasant hot spring soak and you have a day fit for kings! • Transfer to your accommodation for the night in the little town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur • Situated halfway between two picturesque glaciers, Icelandair Hotel Klaustur offers comfortable, modern accommodations in beautiful Southeast Iceland • Designated an Official European Beauty spot, enjoy expansive views, outdoor activities and easy access to Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajokull glacier • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur (B, L, D)

Day 6: Skaftafell National Park Skaftafell, a part of the Vatnajökull National Park, is a place of great beauty nestled under the enormous Vatnajökull glacier • Embark on a short hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall, dropping from the edge of a wide cliff of basalt columns • We’ll also get out on the ice with a glacier-walk in Vatnajökull National Park with a pro glacier-guide • With crampons on and tips by your guide, you’ll be able to safely walk on and learn about this fascinating “river of ice” • Transfer to the South East of Iceland for dinner and accommodation • Overnight at Hali Country Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7: Zodiac Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón / Kirkjubæjarklaustur After breakfast, pack your bags for another hike on the sloping glaciers • Spend time at the amazing Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland • Its still, blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier • Hike to the slow flowing glacier of Fláajökull, part of Iceland’s largest ice cap • Transfer down south back to the little town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you can enjoy the evening on your own • Overnight at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur (B, L)

Day 8: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon / Reykjavík Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon is a 9,000-year-old canyon standing over 300 feet high and more than a mile in length • Explore the canyon’s colors and shapes by foot, being sure to get plenty of photos from many different angles • On our way back to Reykjavík we will stop at the Lava Exhibition Centre for a lovely dinner and to see this ambitious Exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes in the land of Fire and Ice • After filling our stomachs and our minds, we head to the Capital for a good night’s rest • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, L, D)

Day 9: Reykjavík On our last day together, we start by going on a cultural walk around the downtown of Reykjavík exploring the highlights of the city • The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit • Some of our suggestions: a whale watching rib boat tour, Segway tour in the city, Reykjavík foodie tour, or visiting more nearby geothermally heated pools (afternoon activities not included in trip price) • In the evening, we meet back up as a group for a final farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city center • Overnight at Hlemmur Square (B, D)

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Day 10: Reykjavík Departure Enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel • Take a group transfer to the airport in the early afternoon for your departure out of Keflavík International Airport • No overnight (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Icelandic Mountain Guides.

Icelandic Mountain Guides / Iceland Rovers Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Icelandic Mountain Guides / Iceland Rovers. In 1994, a group of with a passion for nature, adventure and environmental advocacy started an outdoor adventure company to take people from around the world on tours of a lifetime. As the originators of the Glacier Walk in Iceland, they revolutionized the outdoor adventure scene. Since the beginning, Icelandic Mountain Guides has been owned and operated by guides and they continue to set the standard in safety, mountaineering expertise, and environmental protection across the industry in Iceland.

IMG/ILR operates from their company headquarters in Reykjavík and their base camp in the beautiful Skaftafell National Park year-round. Whether you want to go hiking, backpacking, trekking, ice climbing, on a glacier walk, mountain climbing, skiing, on an expedition or for a mountaineering course in Iceland or , they’ve got you covered! IMG provides one day and multi-day tours, for all activity levels, that highlight the rugged beauty of these countries. Join Icelandic Mountain Guides on an unforgettable journey and see for yourself why everyone is raving about Iceland!

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Activities

Hiking: Most days include 1 to 4-mile guided hikes ranging from easy to moderate. Sometimes more than one walk or hike will be done in a day. This adventure includes hikes in geothermal basins, to waterfalls, in national parks, through mountainous areas, along canyons and down black sand beaches. Day 3 features a 9.5-mile hike that will be completed over the course of an entire day and is rated moderate.

Swimming/Soaking: Swim and soak in a multitude of natural geothermal hot springs throughout the journey.

Glacier Walking: 3-hour (1.5 hours on ice) glacier walk on a glacier. Professional glacier guide will provide gear and instructions.

Discovery: An underpopulated island marooned near the top of the globe, Iceland is, literally, a country in the making. It's an immense volcanic laboratory where mighty forces shape the earth: geysers spurt, mudpots bubble, ice-covered volcanoes grumble and glaciers cut great pathways through the mountains. Its supercharged splendor seems designed to remind visitors of their utter insignificance in the greater scheme of things. And it works a treat: some crisp clean air, an eyeful of the cinematic landscapes, and everyone is transfixed. It's the power of Icelandic nature to turn the plain into the extraordinary. A dip in a pool becomes a soak in a geothermal lagoon; a casual stroll can transform into a trek across a glittering glacier; and a quiet night at your accommodation may mean front-row seats to the aurora borealis’ curtains of fire, or the soft, pinkish hue of the midnight sun. Come play in Iceland with the experts in adventure travel!

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.

Meals The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Distinctive Accommodation

Nights 1, 2, 8 & 9: Hlemmur Square Hlemmur Square is a new and innovative concept of accommodating international travelers in both a luxury hotel and hostel all in one building. It was to create an environment where all walks of life come together and enjoy their new “home away from home” in Reykjavik where all age groups meet and mingle, enjoying each company together at the well-known bar and the restaurant. Located conveniently on Laugavegur, the main and famous street in Reykjavik where most of the shopping, nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, swimming pools and spas are located, the harbor and Parliament Square and all museums are literally a 15 – 20-minute walk away from Hlemmur Square.

Night 3: Hótel Örk Hotel Örk is a first-class hotel in the town of Hveragerdi, Iceland’s “hottest town”, only 44 km form Reykjavík. The hotel offers friendly accommodation and well-equipped facilities in beautiful surroundings. Be sure to try out the outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, hot tubs and geothermal sauna!

Night 4: Highland Hotel Hrauneyjar At the Highland Center you will discover accommodation designed with comfort in mind. The modern ensuite rooms feature spacious bathrooms, quality linens and beautiful views across the volcanic landscape. The Highland Center’s restaurant offers excellent home-cooked cuisine in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Nights 5 & 7: Icelandair Hotel Klaustur Icelandair Hotel Klaustur is a comfortable country hotel in spectacular surroundings. Klaustur is renowned for its mild and good weather and there is a magnificent view from the hotel of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest one in Europe, and Sidufjoll mountains. It is a short distance from Icelandair Hotel Klaustur to many beautiful natural wonders of Iceland, like Jökulsarlon glacial lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.

Night 6: Hali Country Hotel Hali Country Hotel is located on the farm Hali in the South East of Iceland Hali offers comfortable and cozy accommodation, a historical museum and a fully licensed restaurant serving primarily local food. Currently there are 35 cows and 120 sheep on the farm. There can also be found an extensive aquaculture, foremost with the farming of char. The museum, Þórbergssetur, bears witness of how people lived through the centuries in the countryside of Suðursveit and on the farm Hali.

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Arrival & Departures Day one of your trip begins with a morning pick-up by your guide at the Keflavík International Airport. Your trip ends with an afternoon drop-off on Day 10 at Keflavík International Airport. We recommend drop-off approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure time.

Trip Price From $7,198

Trip Length 10 days / 9 nights

2020 Dates June 12 – 21 July 3 – 12 August 7 – 16

Host City Reykjavík Iceland Airport Code: KEF

Reservations & Availability

1-800-575-1540

A vast volcanic laboratory where mighty forces shape the earth

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Trip Reservations

Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A 15% nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom and International programs may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods: Toll free: 800-575-1540 Phone: 406-655-4591 Online: austinadventures.com Email: [email protected] Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT 59108 * You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional. ** We accept most major credit cards and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin Adventures). Please do not send cash.

Included in the Trip Price • Double occupancy rooms with private baths. • Meals as listed in itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. • Water and snacks on the bus from Days 2 – 9. • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners. • Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained. • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip. • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.

• Pre-departure and packing information.

• Entrance fees into national parks.

Not Included in the Trip Price

• Gratuities. • Alcoholic beverages and other beverages like soda and water. • Meals listed as not included in itinerary. • Pre -and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses. • Air and land transportation to/from host cities. • All types of personal insurance. • Personal expenses.

Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.

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Iceland Adventure – Reykjavík to the Highlands

Private Custom Trips Maybe your vacation schedule doesn’t fit our list of trips and dates. Or perhaps you’d prefer a slightly different itinerary or level of luxury and activity. A Custom Adventure is the perfect answer. You pick the date and destination and brief us on the size of your group, what activities you want, your “must haves” and just how you like to relax and unwind. No detail is too small, no idea too outrageous. Our staff of experts will help create a tailor-made vacation that’s just right for you and your group. In short, if you can dream it, we can make it happen.

Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, referred to as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you.

Minimum Age The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old.

Cancellations and Refunds The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect: ***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak with your Adventure Consultant for details. Cancellation 91 days or more before trip departure – Full trip payment refunded less 15% nonrefundable deposit Cancellation 61-90 days before trip departure – Full trip payment less 25% per person is refunded Cancellation 31-60 days before trip departure – 50% of the trip payment is refunded Cancellation 0-30 days before trip departure – No refund is given

Our Guarantee

Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to resolve the issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct it. We will do our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with you upon your return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund.

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